Quality Control Lead in Willard, North Carolina at Johnson Nursery Corporation

The Quality Control Lead is responsible for leading daily quality control operations while serving as the primary coordinator for critical operational issues (Code Red events). This role ensures all outbound shipments meet company and customer standards for quality, accuracy, and compliance while coordinating rapid responses to operational disruptions that could impact production, shipping, or customer service.

The position provides leadership to the Quality Control team by assigning work, monitoring performance, training employees, resolving quality issues, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. During critical events, the Quality Control Lead acts as the central point of communication, coordinating cross-functional teams to minimize downtime and restore normal operations efficiently.

· Oversee daily quality control processes for all outbound shipments.

· Verify staged loads for accuracy, completeness, and proper loading sequence.

· Inspect trailers to ensure correct product, quantities, and shipping documentation.

· Verify shipment photos for quality, accuracy, and compliance with customer requirements.

· Identify, document, and communicate quality issues before shipments leave the facility.

· Ensure all quality standards, customer specifications, and shipping requirements are consistently met.

· Monitor warehouse operations for issues requiring immediate attention.

· Respond promptly to Code Red events and coordinate appropriate corrective actions.

· Prioritize incidents based on operational impact and business urgency.

· Serve as the primary point of contact during operational emergencies.

· Coordinate resources to quickly resolve shipping, production, inventory, or quality disruptions.

· Verify corrective actions have been completed before closing incidents.

· Escalate unresolved or recurring issues to management.

· Lead, coach, mentor, and develop Quality Control Representatives.

· Assign daily work priorities and balance workloads among team members.

· Monitor employee productivity, quality performance, and adherence to company standards.

· Train new and existing employees on quality procedures, operational expectations, and Code Red response processes.

· Conduct daily communication regarding operational priorities, quality concerns, and safety expectations.

· Foster accountability, teamwork, and a culture of continuous improvement.

· Maintain effective communication with warehouse leadership throughout daily operations.

· Coordinate activities between Shipping, Production, Inventory Control, Maintenance, Customer Service, and Warehouse Operations.

· Provide timely updates regarding quality concerns, operational disruptions, and incident resolutions.

· Ensure all departments remain informed during Code Red events to minimize operational impact.

· Complete and maintain accurate quality inspection records.

· Document product damage, shortages, loading errors, customer-specific issues, and Code Red events.

· Maintain incident logs, corrective action documentation, and quality reports.

· Track quality metrics, identify trends, and recommend corrective actions.

· Prepare reports regarding quality performance, operational incidents, and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Assist with resolving shipment discrepancies before dispatch.

· Support warehouse operations during periods of increased activity or operational downtime.

· Participate in inventory audits and cycle counts as needed.

· Assist with warehouse organization and process improvement projects.

· Ensure compliance with company quality standards, operating procedures, and safety policies.

· Identify opportunities to improve quality processes, workflow efficiency, and operational effectiveness.

· Participate in root cause investigations for quality concerns and operational incidents.

· Recommend improvements that reduce recurring quality issues and Code Red events.

· Assist in developing, implementing, and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

· Promote proactive problem-solving and continuous improvement throughout warehouse operations.

A successful Quality Control Lead consistently maintains exceptional quality standards while effectively leading the Quality Control team and coordinating responses to critical operational issues. This individual minimizes shipping errors and operational downtime through proactive leadership, strong communication, effective problem-solving, accurate documentation, and continuous process improvement. Success is demonstrated through improved quality performance, reduced operational disruptions, enhanced customer satisfaction, and the development of a highly accountable and engaged quality team.

· Bilingual preferred but not required

· High school diploma or equivalent required.

· Previous experience in warehouse, shipping, logistics, manufacturing, or quality control.

· Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

· Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

· Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

· Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.

· Basic computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and warehouse management systems.

· Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

· Quality inspection techniques

· Warehouse operations and logistics

· Shipping and receiving processes

· Inventory control principles

· Operational troubleshooting

· Incident management

· Root cause analysis

· Leadership and employee coaching

· Time management and prioritization

· Serve as the primary point of contact during operational emergencies.

· Coordinate resources to quickly resolve shipping, production, inventory, or quality disruptions.

· Verify corrective actions have been completed before closing incidents.

· Escalate unresolved or recurring issues to management.

· Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

· Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

· Frequent bending, reaching, climbing, and walking throughout the nursery.

· Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, humidity, wind, dust, pollen, and uneven terrain.

· Ability to respond quickly to operational issues throughout the nursery.

Work is performed entirely outdoors in a fast-paced nursery environment requiring regular interaction with shipping personnel, production teams, inventory control, maintenance, and leadership. Employees are routinely exposed to outdoor elements, including varying temperatures, direct sunlight, rain, humidity, wind, dust, pollen, mud, and uneven ground. The position requires balancing routine quality responsibilities with rapid response to operational disruptions while maintaining professionalism, safety, and accuracy.

Required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

• Ankle-support work boots with slip-resistant tread are required at all times while performing job duties.

• Steel-toe boots are not required; however, footwear must provide adequate ankle support and traction suitable for outdoor nursery terrain.